Dennis Edward Machnik

Dennis Edward Machnik of Campton, NH passed away on September 28, 2025. Born on April 30, 1952, he grew up in Taunton, MA. He was the son of the late Peter and Jeannette (Charbonneau) Machnik. Dennis was the loving brother to his sister Jeanne Jones and her late husband Russell Jones, his brother Peter Machnik, his wife Judy and their children, Scott Machnik, Michael Machnik and his wife Kelly, and Michele Fleming and her husband Kevin. He has three great-nephews and five great-nieces. He was the loving husband to Aida Mirante, stepfather to Aida Cook, and proud grandfather to James Cook.

Dennis was warm, kind, and compassionate. He believed woman’s rights were human rights, black lives mattered, we are all immigrants and science is real. Dennis was well known for his humor, compassion and love of cheese. He would often tell a person they could find a “friend in cheeses”. He always had various gadgets, toys, and wild, weird spicy foods to share. Dennis had a vast circle of friends including their children. They grew up knowing Dennis, who respected and loved them and taught them so much, tolerance and patience along with math and science. He left a strong impression that has lasted into their adulthood. He will be missed by so many people.

A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Dennis earned his PhD in 1981.

As a Professor of Physics at Plymouth State University, he was a devoted teacher who made himself available to his students 24 hours a day. Dennis was dedicated to his students. He even took calls from students looking for homework help while hosting holiday dinners. For approximately fifteen years, he helped lead the annual Science Society camping trip to Acadia National Park with chemistry, biology, and earth science faculty members. The trip was at the end of April, and it almost always rained. Once there was snow! The students absolutely loved this adventure, that included hiking, tide pooling and a lobster dinner that the faculty paid for and cooked for the students.

Dennis took great joy in sharing his love of science. While the Director of the Mark Sylvester Planetarium, at Plymouth State University, he developed a traveling planetarium program that he brought to schools and libraries across New England.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Dennis' name to the Planetarium at Plymouth State University. Donations can be sent to Advancement Services, MSC 50, 17 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1595 or give online at https://give.plymouth.edu/planetarium.